The environmental influence of a volcanic plume,a new technique of study,Mount Etna,sicily

Detailed study of the chemistry of volcanic plumes has previously been hindered by the difficulties of sampling, particularly if data on trace elements are required. In an attempt to overcome this problem, and to learn more about the regional effects of the plume of Mt. Etna, it was decided to investigate whether lichens, which are used as indicators of aerial pollution, would be suitable for this type of study. Samples collected from the slopes of Etna were assayed, mainly for heavy metals. The results show that this technique has great potential, that lichens can be used to determine semiquantitatively the minor and trace element composition of the plume, and can detect the influence of the plume on the chemistry of local rainfall.